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The role of pediatric radiologists and radiographers: a different future from the past
1Coimbra Health School, Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy, IPC-ESTESC, Rua 5 de Outubro, SM Bispo, Ap. 7006, 3046-854, Coimbra, Portugal. gpaulo@icloud.com.
Insights
Pediatric radiology faces constraints limiting care quality. Building dedicated pediatric imaging teams in hospitals can enhance the quality of millions of annual pediatric imaging procedures.
Area of Science:
- Medical imaging
- Pediatric radiology
- Healthcare quality
Background:
- Pediatric radiology practice is hindered by various constraints.
- These limitations impede the professional development of pediatric radiologists and radiographers.
- Compromised medical imaging care quality for children is a significant concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reflect on the current state of pediatric radiology practice.
- To identify key constraints affecting pediatric imaging services.
- To propose a strategy for improving pediatric imaging care quality.
Main Methods:
- Literature review to identify existing constraints in pediatric radiology.
- Analysis of the impact of these constraints on professional roles and patient care.
- Conceptualization of a collaborative "pediatric imaging family" model.
Main Results:
- Several constraints limit the growth of pediatric radiology roles.
- The quality of medical imaging for children is negatively impacted.
- A need exists for dedicated pediatric imaging teams within hospitals.
Conclusions:
- Establishing a "pediatric imaging family" of dedicated radiologists and radiographers is crucial.
- This integrated approach can significantly improve the quality of pediatric imaging procedures.
- Addressing identified constraints is essential for advancing pediatric radiology.
Abstract:
The author of this paper reflects on the reality of pediatric radiology practice and pinpoints several constraints identified in the literature, constraints that limit the development of the role of pediatric radiologists and radiographers and therefore compromise the quality of medical imaging care delivered to the children. There is a need to build a pediatric imaging family of dedicated radiographers and radiologists at every hospital that has a radiology department. This strategy could improve the quality of the 350 million pediatric imaging procedures performed every year.
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